Photo via Gloria Romero (@gloriaromero) / Instagram
Gloria Romero, a legendary actress, passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 91. Her seven-decade career made her a queen of Philippine cinema and a role model for aspiring actors.
Romero’s journey in showbiz began in 1950 when she was just 16 years old. After finishing high school in Pangasinan, she joined Premiere Productions and played a small role in “Prinsipe Don Juan” (1951).
She later moved to Sampaguita Pictures, where her talent caught the eye of Dr. Jose Perez, a producer. He gave her acting lessons and suggested she change her screen name from Gloria Galla to Gloria Romero. This marked the beginning of her rise as a star.
Romero was known for playing many types of characters. She shone in romantic, dramatic, and comedic roles. Her performance in “Dalagang Ilocana” (1954) won her the first FAMAS Best Actress Award.
Memorable Performances and Awards
She also gained praise for her roles in films like “Condemned”, where she played a gang leader, and “Darna”, where she portrayed a shape-shifting teacher. Her role in “Tanging Yaman” (2000) earned her multiple Best Actress awards. Her final film, “Rainbow’s Sunset” (2018), won Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival, where she received another Best Actress trophy.
Romero’s success was built on her love for acting. In a 2011 interview, she said:
“You need to love acting. It has to be your passion.”
Her professionalism and kindness made her a beloved figure in the industry. She treated every role with care, whether big or small, and inspired younger stars to do the same.
Gloria Romero’s career shows that talent, hard work, and passion lead to success. People will always remember her as a kind, talented, and dedicated artist who paved the way for many in Philippine cinema.
Her life and work continue to inspire generations of actors and fans.
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